US20150170630A1

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Publication number: US20150170630A1
Application number: US14/406,979
Authority: US
Inventors: Randy J. DAWSON
Original assignee: PROMETHEUS MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC
Current assignee: PROMETHEUS MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LLC
Priority date: 2012-06-11
Filing date: 2013-06-11
Publication date: 2015-06-18
Also published as: WO2013188360A2; WO2013188360A3; US9489935B2

Abstract

A gas flow alarm includes a main barrel with a proximal end and a distal end. The main barrel defines a gas flow direction from the proximal end to the distal end. A cap is disposed slidingly on the main barrel between a proximal position and a distal position. The proximal position of the cap defines a compressed condition of the gas flow alarm and the distal position of the cap defines an expanded condition of the gas flow alarm. A noise generating device is disposed within the main barrel. The noise generating device is adapted to generate noise from the gas flow when the gas flow alarm is in the expanded condition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION(S)

This International Patent Application relies for priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/658,210, filed on Jun. 11, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein in the entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus that generates an alarm in response to leakage of a gas from a source of gases, such as a pressurized gas container. More specifically, the present invention concerns an apparatus that provides an audible alarm should gas leak from the pressurized gas container or should a gas line become disconnected from the pressurized gas container, among other triggering events.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, pressurized gases are employed in any of a number of different environments. In one instance, pressurized oxygen is made available to individuals requiring higher concentrations of oxygen to address one or more medical conditions. In another instance, pressurized gases may be provided for industrial uses, such as for the purposes of welding.

As also should be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is possible that the flow of gases may be sufficiently low in volume per unit time that the flow of the gases may not be immediately perceptible to the person(s) relying on such gases. Low gas flow is common with respect to the provision of oxygen in circumstances involving medical applications, for example.

As also should be apparent to those skilled in the art, low pressure gas flow meters typically do not include safety alarms to announce that gas exiting from the gas source (i.e., a pressurized gas container such as an oxygen bottle) is being discharged into the ambient environment. In the case of oxygen, the gas is not toxic to humans, but the waste of oxygen is not preferable, as canisters of oxygen may be expensive to the patients relying on this gas.

In instances where the gas is noxious or potentially toxic to humans, the release of gases into the environment from a pressurized gas source may present other concerns, such as safety.

Inadvertent gas leaks may be caused by any of a number of different reasons. For example, a valve that with a faulty or degraded seal may permits low flow of gases from the pressurized source. Alternatively, a valve that is left partially open may allow a low flow of gases from the pressurized container.

In cases where the gases are needed to help sustain the health and life of a person (i.e., the provision of oxygen), there may be instances where the patient does not appreciate if the gas flow has been disconnected accidentally. Naturally, if the patient were to discover the inadvertent leak of gas at a time where replacement of the gas were not possible or feasible, this might present a significant problem or inconvenience to that person.

A need, therefore, has developed for a way to notify a person of a leak of one or more gases from a pressurized gas source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus that initiates an alarm if there is a flow of gas from a pressurized container.

More specifically, the present invention provides for an apparatus that provides an audible alarm, should there be gas flow from a pressurized gas source, such as a gas canister (or container), compressor, or the like. Gas flow may result from a faulty valve, an open valve, or the disconnection of a tube (or pipe) normally connected to the pressurized gas source, among a wide variety of other triggering events or phenomena.

It is one aspect of the present invention, therefore, to provide an apparatus that cooperates with current, low pressure adapters used to connect tubing to a pressurized gas source to provide an alarm in the event of leakage of gases from the pressurized gas source.

In this regard, it is contemplated that the alarm of the present invention may be integrated into the current design for low-pressure gaseous flow meters.

Alternatively, the alarm of the present invention may be screwed onto flow meters currently available in the marketplace.

In one aspect of the present invention, a whistle mechanism that is integrated into the alarm that uses the actual flow of the leaking gas to make a whistling sound, thereby providing an auditory indication of leaking gases.

The audible alarm is contemplated to encourage the person to turn off the flow of the gas so as not to waste the gas. Alternatively, the alarm might indicate to a patient or caregiver that gas supply tubing has been disconnected from the pressurized gas source, requiring reconnection.

It is, therefore, one aspect of the present invention to provide a gas flow alarm with a main barrel having a proximal end and a distal end. The main barrel defines a gas flow direction from the proximal end to the distal end. The alarm also includes a cap slidingly disposed on the main barrel between a proximal position and a distal position. The proximal position of the cap defines a compressed condition of the gas flow alarm and the distal position of the cap defines an expanded condition of the gas flow alarm. The alarm further includes a noise generating device disposed within the main barrel. The noise generating device is adapted to generate noise from the gas flow when the gas flow alarm is in the expanded condition.

In one contemplated embodiment, the noise generating device is a whistle.

It is contemplated that the gas flow alarm also may include a biasing member operatively disposed between the cap and the main barrel, biasing the cap in the distal position. If so, the biasing member may be a coil spring.

It is contemplated that the proximal end of the main barrel defines a threaded portion. The threaded portion may be adapted to accommodate a diameter index safety system connector. If so, the diameter index safety system connector is contemplated to be connected to a gas source.

Another embodiment of the gas flow alarm of the present invention contemplated that a nipple is disposed at the distal end of the main barrel for connection to a gas destination. The gas destination includes tubing, which is contemplated to carry the gas to its ultimate destination. To accommodate the nipple, the cap may define an opening through a distal end thereof, permitting the nipple to protrude therethrough when the gas flow alarm is in the compressed condition.

In a further contemplated embodiment, the gas flow alarm may include a wall disposed within the main barrel, upstream of the noise generating device, for concentrating the gas flow adjacent to the noise generating device, thereby enhancing the noise generated thereby. The wall may occlude approximately 75-95%, 80-90%, or 85% of an interior diameter of the main barrel.

It is contemplated that the gas flow alarm may include a first tab disposed on a proximal end of the cap and a channel defined by the main barrel. The first tab is configured to engage the channel when the cap is disposed on the main barrel. In alternative embodiments, the first tab may be two tabs (or more) and the channel may be two channels (or more).

In one embodiment of the gas flow alarm of the present invention, a second tab may be located on the main barrel at the proximal end. The second tab is contemplated to facilitate attachment of the main barrel to a gas source. The second tab may include two (or more) separate tabs.

Separately, to facilitate attachment of the main barrel to a gas source, the exterior surface of the main barrel may be configured to facilitate attachment of the main barrel to a gas source. In one embodiment, exterior surface of the main barrel may be textured, abraded, knurled, and shaped with a non-circular cross-section.

It is contemplated that the proximal end of the main barrel may include a gas pressure fitting.

In another embodiment, the main barrel and the cap may have cross-sectional shapes selected from circular, elliptical, square, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, ovoid, and amorphous.

It is contemplated that the main barrel and the cap are made from thermoplastics, resins, polymers, nylon, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, metal, and ceramics.

Still further aspects of the alarm of the present invention will be made apparent from the discussion that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in connection with the various figures appended hereto, in which:

FIG. 1 is cross-sectional side view of one contemplated embodiment of the alarm of the present invention, shown in a fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 2, shown in a fully assembled, compressed condition;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, shown in the fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, shown in the fully assembled, compressed condition;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 3, shown in the fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, shown in the fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, shown in the fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 8 is a view of the first end of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, with this first end also being referred to as the distal end of the alarm;

FIG. 9 is a view of the second end of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, with this second end also being referred to as the proximal end of the alarm;

FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of the embodiment of the alarm shown inFIG. 1, the perspective being from the first or distal end thereof, the alarm being shown in the fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 11 is a perspective illustration of the embodiment of the alarm shown inFIG. 1, the perspective being from the second or proximal end thereof, the alarm being shown in the fully assembled, expanded condition;

FIG. 12 is a perspective illustration of the cap that forms a part of the embodiment of the alarm shown inFIG. 1, the perspective being from a bottom end thereof;

FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of the cap shown inFIG. 12, the perspective being taken from the top end thereof;

FIG. 14 is a perspective illustration of a biasing member employed in the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective illustration of the main barrel portion of the embodiment of the alarm illustrated inFIG. 1, the perspective being taken from the distal end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in connection with one or more embodiments. The discussion of any one embodiment is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. To the contrary, the discussion of various embodiments is intended to illustrate the scope and breadth of the present invention. After reading and understanding the discussion that follows, those skilled in the art may contemplate one or more variations and equivalents to the embodiments discussed herein. Those variations and equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the present invention as if specifically described herein.

One embodiment of thealarm10 of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1-15.

With reference toFIG. 1, thealarm10 includes abody12 with amain barrel14 onto which acap16 is slidably disposed. In the illustrated embodiment, thebody12 has a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, thebarrel14 and thecap16 also have cylindrical shapes.

While thealarm10 is shown with a cylindrical shape, it is contemplated that thealarm10 may have any alternative cross-sectional shape (e.g., elliptical, square, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, ovoid, amorphous, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As a preliminary matter, it is noted that the various components of thealarm10 of the present invention are contemplated to be made primarily from plastic materials. Alternatively, the alarm may be made from other materials, such as thermoplastics, resins, polymers, nylon, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, metal, ceramics, and/or any of a combination of these materials, among others. While it is contemplated that the alarm may be made primarily of polyethylene, thealarm10 may be made from any suitable material without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 1 and as described in greater detail below, thealarm10 of the present invention defines two ends, afirst end18 and asecond end20. Thefirst end18 also is referred to herein as theproximal end18 of thealarm10. Thesecond end20 also is referred to as thedistal end20. Theproximal end18 includes a threaded portion22 (described in greater detail below) withfemale threads24 that permits thealarm10 to be attached to a Diameter Index Safety System (“D.I.S.S.” or “DISS”) connector26 (e.g., shown inFIG. 2). Thedistal end20 includes anipple28 to whichtubing30 may be attached for transporting the gas from thegas source32 to the gas destination34 (e.g., shown inFIG. 2).

Thegas source32 may be any suitable pressurized source of one or more gases. It is contemplated that thegas source32 will be provided with (or connected to) theDISS connector26. TheDISS connector26, in turn, is contemplated to engage thethreads24 in theproximal end18 of thealarm10.

Thegas source32 may be a gas container or canister, such as an oxygen cylinder. While a gas canister is contemplated as onepotential gas source32, it is noted that the source of the gas (or gases) may be a compressor or the like. Moreover, it is contemplated that thegas source32 may provide a singular gas (such as oxygen) or a mixture of a plurality of gases (such as compressed air), without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thegas source32 also is contemplated to encompass several separate sources of gases that are combined prior to introduction of the gases into thealarm10.

It is noted that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are employed herein in association with thegas source32. Accordingly, theproximal end18 of thealarm10 is the end of thealarm10 closest to thegas source32. Thedistal end20 of thealarm10, therefore, is disposed furthest from thegas source32. In this arrangement, thedistal end20 is downstream of theproximal end18. As should be apparent, however, these terms are employed merely to facilitate a discussion of thealarm10 of the present invention. The terms are, therefore, not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Thetubing30 may be any suitable tubing without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the case where oxygen passes through thealarm10, it is contemplated that thetubing30 may include a flexible, transparent segment that connects to a distributor, such as a nasal cannula for use by a medical patient. Thetubing30 may be made from any suitable material, as desired or required for a particular installation. Thetubing30 may be made from a single material. Alternatively, thetubing30 may include multiple segments connected to one another, where the segments are each made from different materials.

Thegas destination34 includes devices that receive the gas provided by thegas source32. One contemplatedgas destination34 is the nasal cannula, as noted above.Other gas destinations34 include, but are not limited to, nozzles, acetylene torches, etc.

Themain barrel14 of thebody12 includes at least two tabs36 (also referred to as “leverage tabs”36) that assist with installation of thealarm10 to theDISS connector26. Thetabs36 are contemplated to be positioned on opposite sides of themain barrel14, opposite to one another, at theproximal end18.FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates this positioning. It is noted that, while thealarm10 is shown with twotabs36, thealarm10 may include a larger or a fewer number oftabs36 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, while thetabs36 are illustrated at theproximal end18 of thealarm10, it is noted that thetabs36 may be positioned at any location on thebarrel14 without departing from the scope of the present invention. As noted, thetabs36 are provided to assist with threading thealarm10 onto a suitable connector, such as aDISS connector26. While it is contemplated that the positioning of thetabs36 at theproximal end18 of thealarm10 will best facilitate this operation, other locations are equally suitable for this purpose, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In an alternate embodiment, thetabs36 may be omitted altogether. Here, it is contemplated that the surface of thebarrel14 may be textured to establish an area on thebarrel14 that is easily gripped by a person. For example, thebarrel14 andcap16 may have a non-circular cross-section, as noted above. Still further, the surface of thebarrel14 may be abraded so that it is not smooth or slippery to the touch. It is also contemplated that the surface of thebarrel14 may be provided with a knurled surface to establish a suitable grip thereon.

In still another contemplated embodiment, thealarm10 may incorporate both thetabs36 and a textured surface (i.e., a knurled or abraded surface), as required or as desired. It is noted that thetabs36 are not required to practice the present invention. Moreover, a shaped and/or textured surface is not needed to practice the present invention.

FIG. 1 also illustrates awhistle38 disposed through the side of thebarrel14. Thewhistle38 is contemplated to generate an audible signal when gases pass through thebody12 and thecap16 is in the extended condition illustrated inFIG. 1. In the extended condition, thewhistle38 is exposed. As a result, any gases passing through thebarrel14 will initiate a whistling sound when passing by thewhistle38.

FIG. 2 differs fromFIG. 1 in that thealarm10 inFIG. 1 is illustrated in the extended condition while thealarm10FIG. 2 is shown in the compressed condition. In the compressed condition, thewhistle38 is not exposed. In the compressed condition, thewhistle38 is covered by thecap16. As a result, and gases passing through themain barrel14 will not initiate a whistling sound.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, it is noted that themain barrel14 includes a gas pressure fitting40 at the distal end of thethreads24. The gas pressure fitting40 is provided to cooperate with theDISS connector26. The gas pressure fitting40 also may include one or more seals to facilitate a pressure-tight connection between themain barrel14 and theDISS connector26. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, anysuitable fitting40 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Themain barrel14 defines a central chamber42 that is divided into afirst chamber44 and asecond chamber46 by awall48. Consistent with the terminology employed above, thefirst chamber44 also is referred to as theproximal chamber44. Thesecond chamber46 also is referred to herein as thedistal chamber46.

As illustrated, it is contemplated that thewall48 is disposed immediately upstream of thewhistle38. In this position, thewall48 directs the flow of gases through the chamber42 such that the gas flow is concentrated at a position near to thewhistle38 to maximize the probability that thewhistle38 will generate an audible alarm. As should be apparent, without thewall48, it is possible for the flow rate of gases from thegas source32 might be so low that an audible alarm cannot be initiated. Thewall48 concentrates the flow of gases at thewhistle38 so that even a very low gas flow becomes sufficient to generate an audible alarm.

In the illustrated embodiment, thewall48 is contemplated to extend to a height (or depth) within the central chamber42 such that all but about 15% of the central chamber42 is occluded. As noted, the portion of the central chamber42 that is not occluded by thewall48 is adjacent to thewhistle38. Thewall48, therefore, defines anopening50 within the central chamber42 that is approximately 15% of the interior diameter of the central chamber42. It is noted that thewall48 need not provide anopening50 that is 15% of the interior diameter of the central chamber42. A larger or asmaller opening50 may be established within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that theopening50 may be between 5-25% of the interior diameter in one embodiment. In another embodiment, theopening50 may be 10-20% of the interior diameter of the central chamber42.

With respect to theopening50, it is noted that the interior chamber42 may have a shape other than a circular shape, as provided in the illustrated embodiment. If so, the size of theopening50 is contemplated to be adjusted accordingly, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art.

As illustrated throughout the figures, it is contemplated that themain barrel14 is completely hollow, thereby defining the central chamber42. As illustrated, only thewall48 is disposed within the central chamber42. While this embodiment is illustrated, it is contemplated that the central chamber42 need not be entirely hollow. The central chamber42 may be partially occluded in other ways to improve or alter the flow of gases therethrough.

So that thealarm10 may transition between the expanded condition illustrated inFIG. 1 and the compressed condition illustrated inFIG. 2, themain barrel14 includes afirst channel52 and asecond channel54. The

channels

52,54 are provided so that thecap16 slidably engages themain barrel14. In particular, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, thecap16 is provided with

tabs

56,58 that engage the

channels

52,54, by extending into the

channels

52,54 by a predetermined distance. Cooperation between the

channels

52,54 and the

tabs

56,58 assist to hold thecap16 onto themain barrel14. Cooperation between the

channels

52,54 and the

tabs

56,58 also assist to permit the cap to slide with respect to themain barrel14, as indicated by thearrows60.

At the distal end of themain barrel14, anipple28 extends axially through the center of thecap16. Thenipple28, after being exposed from thecap16 when thealarm10 is in the compressed condition, is provided to engage thetubing30. While thenipple28 is contemplated to be cylindrical, thenipple28 need not be cylindrical to practice the present invention. In addition, thenipple28 is illustrated as being coaxial with themain barrel14. While this is contemplated for the illustrated embodiment, thenipple28 may be offset from the axis of themain barrel14 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

With respect to the construction of themain barrel14 and thenipple28, the two parts of thealarm10 are contemplated to be integrally formed with one another. As should be apparent, however, an integral construction is not required to practice the present invention. Thenipple28 may be manufactured separately from themain barrel14 and attached to themain barrel14 during assembly.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, for example, thecap16 is provided with anopening62 in the distal end thereof. Theopening62 is provided so that thenipple28 may protrude exterior to thecap16 when thealarm10 is in the compressed condition. This permits attachment of thetubing30, as illustrated inFIG. 2, for example.

As also illustrated inFIG. 1, thealarm10 includes a biasingmember64, which is contemplated to bias thecap16 so that thealarm10 defaults to the expanded condition when thetubing30 is removed from thenipple28. While the biasingmember64 is illustrated as a coil spring, any other type of biasing member may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The operation of thealarm10 will now be discussed in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2.

It is noted that thealarm10 is constructed to be added in the gas flow path downstream of thegas source32 and upstream of thegas destination34. Installation of thealarm10 on theDISS connector26 is contemplated to be via hand tightening, using thetabs36. Thecap16 is pushed in the proximal direction so that thealarm10 is configured in the compressed condition, which is illustrated inFIG. 2. Thetubing30 is then attached to thenipple28, which protrudes through theopening62. In the compressed state, thecap16 covers thewhistle38, thereby inhibiting thewhistle38 from issuing an audible alarm.

Should thetubing30 become disconnected from thenipple28, the biasingmember64 will force thecap16 in the distal direction. When thecap16 is pushed into the expanded condition, thewhistle38 is exposed. As a result, if there is sufficient gas flow through themain barrel14 from thegas source32, thealarm10 will generate an audible signal via thewhistle38.

FIG. 8 is an end view of thealarm10, the view being taken from the distal end of thealarm10. Thecap16,nipple28, andtabs36 are clearly delineated in this view.

FIG. 9 is an end view of thealarm10 from the proximal end. Thethreads24, pressure fitting40 andtabs36 are easily visible in this view.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of thealarm10 of the present invention. The perspective is taken from the distal end of thealarm10.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of thealarm10 of the present invention. The perspective is taken from the proximal end of thealarm10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective illustration of thecap16 from thealarm10. The perspective is taken from the proximal end of thecap16.

FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of thecap16, taken from the distal end. One of thetabs56 is visible in this illustration. As also shown in this view (among others) thetab56 is bounded on either side byslots66 that provide flexibility to thetab56 so that is may more easily engage thechannel52. Thetab58 is similarly bounded byslots66. It is noted that, depending upon the material selected for manufacture of thecap16, theslots66 may not be required to practice the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective illustration of the biasingmember64, which assists to bias thecap16 so that thealarm10 defaults to the expanded condition, as discussed above.

FIG. 15 is a perspective illustration of themain barrel14 andnipple28, illustrated from the distal end thereof.

With further reference to thenipple28, it is noted that thenipple28 may be any of a number of different shapes and configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, thenipple28 may have any size suitable for thetubing30. In addition, thenipple28 may be provided with threads (either external (male) or internal (female)) for engagement with a suitable fitting, as required or as desired. If provided with male threads, thenipple28 may be designed consistently with the construction of theDISS connector26, thereby providing the same connector as occupied by thethreads24 on theproximal end18 of thealarm10.

With regard to the

channels

52,54, it is noted that the

channels

52,54 are illustrated as being disposed on opposite sides of themain barrel14. As should be apparent, themain barrel14 may be provided with a larger or a fewer number of

channels

52,54 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while the

channels

52,54 are illustrated as being disposed 180° from one another, they may be positioned at any location with respect to one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is noted that the

channels

52,54 are shown in positions that are 90° from the position of thewhistle38. While this is contemplated as one possible orientation of the

channels

52,54 with respect to thewhistle38, any other alternative orientation may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Finally, the

channels

52,54 are contemplated to extend along most of the length of themain barrel14. As should be apparent, however, the lengths and shapes of the

channels

52,54 may be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, as has been made apparent from the foregoing, the inner diameter (ID) of thecap16 is larger than the outer diameter (OD) of themain barrel14. As such, thecap16 may slide, in the direction of thearrows60, with respect to themain barrel14. It is contemplated that the inner surface of thecap16 will engage the outer surface of themain barrel14 to provide at least a minimal seal therebetween. Alternatively, one or more sealing members may be positioned between the inner surface of thecap16 and the outer surface of themain barrel14 to establish whatever magnitude of sealing capacity is required or desired.

With respect to theopening62 in thecap16, it is contemplated that the opening will have an ID slightly larger than the OD of thenipple28. In the case where thenipple28 does not have a cylindrical shape, theopening62 will be patterned to accommodate the shape of thenipple28.

It is contemplated that the

tabs

56,58 will engage the

channels

52,54 such that the

tabs

56,58 fit in thechannels53,54. The

tabs

56,58, therefore, prevent thecap16 from becoming dislodged from themain barrel14. Specifically, the

tabs

56,58, when inserted into the

channels

52,54 are bound by the lengths of the

channels

52,54. As such, thecap16 is not easily removed from themain barrel14 after the

tabs

56,58 have been inserted into the

channels

52,54. As should be apparent from the foregoing and from the illustrations, thecap16 is contemplated to be removable from themain barrel14 after application of a sufficient force to thecap16 or the

tabs

56,58. In other words, it is contemplated that thecap16 is removable from themain barrel14 when required or desired.

As made apparent from the foregoing, thealarm10 of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiment(s) detailed herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures of the drawings. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various embodiments of thealarm10 may be constructed that incorporate selected ones of the advantages and structures described herein.

The figures of the drawings are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of structures described in connection with the embodiment(s) and to supplement the written description associated with thealarm10. In connection therewith, the figures are not drawn to scale and, therefore, are not intended to reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment. Moreover, the drawings should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values or properties encompassed by any enumerated embodiment. Each of the embodiments, however, is contemplated to incorporate structures permitting thealarm10 to alert people or practitioners in the immediate area of thealarm10 that gas is leaking into the ambient air (or surrounding environment).

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are many variations that may be employed that are contemplated to accomplish the same results as the embodiment(s) of thealarm10 described herein. For example, the materials selected for construction of the ambientgas flow alarm10 may include any number of readily available polymers, ceramics and/or metals, as noted above. Similarly, thealarm10 need not be separate from thegas source32. To the contrary, thealarm10 may be integrated into any gas flow device connected to (or a part of) thegas source32, whether the gas flow device is independent from thegas source32 integrated into any structure known to one of ordinary skill in the art that is a part of thegas source32. Further, a wide range of assembly structures, e.g., recesses and corresponding projections, set screws, welds, pins, etc., easily may be utilized for locating the various structural elements of the ambientgas flow alarm10 without departing from the basic functionality of the devices detailed herein.

As should be appreciated from the foregoing, the ambientgas flow alarm10, consistent with the present invention, is contemplated to be configured for at least the following:

1) creating an audible alarm while the flow of gas is being released into the ambient room air exposing objects in the immediate air to the gas;

2) creating an audible alarm when the flow of gas is being released into the ambient room air causing a waste of resources and expenses; and

3) creating an alarm when a device that is connected to thenipple28 has inadvertently become disconnected.

Any and all variations to the designs disclosed herein that accomplish these three functions, among others, are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. None of the variations, however, are contemplated to detract from the basic functionality of the disclosed embodiments of thealarm10 of the present invention.

When thealarm10 of the present invention is attached to agas source30 and has gas flowing therethrough and thealarm10 is in the extended condition, thewhistle38 makes a whistling sound alerting people in proximity to thealarm10 that gas is flowing in a manner inconsistent with normal usage of the gas. The whistling may be stopped by turning off thesource32 of the flowing gas. Thewhistle38 is closed, as noted above, by sliding thecap16 over thewhistle38, thereby directing the gas through thenipple28. If the tubing30 (or any gas destination34) becomes disconnected from the nipple, the biasingmember64 causes thealarm10 to configure itself in the expanded condition. Thealarm10 may be returned to the compressed condition by pressing on thecap16. In the expanded condition, thewhistle38 is exposed, resulting in the generation of the audible alarm.

As noted above, thealarm10 may include one or more seals to minimize the release of gases from thealarm10 during use. This includes one or more seals between thecap16 and themain barrel14. In addition, thealarm10 may include one or more stoppers to plug thewhistle38 when thecap16 is disposed toward the proximal end of the device and thealarm10 is in the compressed condition.

As should be apparent, while awhistle38 is contemplated as an aspect of the present invention, any other suitable noise generating device may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the embodiment(s) described herein. As noted above, the present invention is contemplated to encompass any equivalents and variations of the embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A gas flow alarm, comprising:

a main barrel with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the main barrel defines a gas flow direction from the proximal end to the distal end;

a cap slidingly disposed on the main barrel between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein the proximal position of the cap defines a compressed condition of the gas flow alarm and the distal position of the cap defines an expanded condition of the gas flow alarm; and

a noise generating device disposed within the main barrel, wherein the noise generating device is adapted to generate noise from the gas flow when the gas flow alarm is in the expanded condition.

2. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, wherein the noise generating device is a whistle.

3. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a biasing member operatively disposed between the cap and the main barrel, biasing the cap in the distal position.

4. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 3, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

5. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, wherein the proximal end of the main barrel defines a threaded portion.

6. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 5, wherein the threaded portion is adapted to accommodate a diameter index safety system connector.

7. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 6, wherein the diameter index safety system connector is connected to a gas source.

8. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a nipple disposed at the distal end of the main barrel for connection to a gas destination.

9. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 8, wherein the gas destination comprises tubing.

10. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 8, wherein the cap defines an opening through a distal end thereof, permitting the nipple to protrude therethrough when the gas flow alarm is in the compressed condition.

11. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a wall disposed within the main barrel, upstream of the noise generating device, for concentrating the gas flow adjacent to the noise generating device, thereby enhancing the noise generated thereby.

12. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 11, wherein the wall occludes approximately at least one of 75-95%, 80-90%, and 85% of an interior diameter of the main barrel.

13. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, further comprising:

at least one first tab disposed on a proximal end of the cap; and

at least one channel defined by the main barrel,

wherein the first tab is configured to engage the channel when the cap is disposed on the main barrel.

14. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 10, wherein the first tab comprises two tabs and the channel comprises two channels.

15. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, further comprising:

at least one second tab disposed on the main barrel at the proximal end, the second tab facilitating attachment of the main barrel to a gas source.

16. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 15, wherein the second tab comprises two second tabs.

17. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the main barrel is configured to facilitate attachment of the main barrel to a gas source.

18. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 17, wherein the exterior surface of the main barrel is at least one of textured, abraded, knurled, and shaped with a non-circular cross-section.

19. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, wherein the main barrel and the cap have cross-sectional shapes selected from circular, elliptical, square, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, ovoid, and amorphous.

20. The gas flow alarm ofclaim 1, wherein the main barrel and the cap are made from thermoplastics, resins, polymers, nylon, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, metal, and ceramics.